NSW Passes Sweeping Gun Control and Anti-Protest Laws

The New South Wales (NSW) Parliament has enacted significant legislation aimed at curbing gun ownership and restricting protest activities in response to the tragic Bondi terrorist attack, which resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals. Following an urgent parliamentary session that began on March 12, 2024, lawmakers approved the omnibus bill by a vote of 18 to 8 in the upper house, with final confirmation expected later in the day in the lower house.

The legislation introduces stringent measures, including capping gun ownership, limiting magazine capacities, and tightening regulations surrounding firearm licenses. This legislative action comes after the Bondi incident, which marked Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. The debate lasted until nearly 03:00 local time on March 13, reflecting the urgency felt by lawmakers in the wake of the attack.

Chris Minns, the NSW Premier, successfully navigated the proposal through a complex political landscape, garnering support from the Liberal Party. However, the junior coalition partner, the Nationals, opposed the further restrictions on firearms. A last-minute amendment introduced by the Greens prohibits gun ownership for individuals investigated for terrorism-related offenses and their family members.

Yasmin Catley, the Police Minister, defended the quick passage of the laws. In an interview with Sydney radio station 2GB, she stated, “I have made no apology for being very swift and taking swift action here. We do not want to see this (attack) again.”

Federal Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke highlighted a critical gap in information sharing between national and state agencies concerning gun license holders. He noted that the perpetrator, Sajid Akram, legally acquired three firearms in one day in 2023, despite his son being investigated by ASIO in 2019. Burke emphasized the need for improved transparency, stating, “At the moment, there’s a system where the states have a limited sharing of actual convictions and a limited criminal intelligence.”

The Federal Labor government has committed to enhancing information-sharing protocols, aiming to provide states with advance warnings about individuals of interest who may not have committed crimes.

Gun-safety advocate Walter Mikac, a survivor of the Port Arthur massacre who lost his family, praised the legislative measures. Mikac expressed that firearm ownership should be viewed as a privilege rather than a right, stating, “Today’s decision reflects the community’s expectation that gun laws be rigorous, responsible, and focused on public safety.”

In addition to gun control measures, the new laws also grant police expanded powers to restrict public gatherings following terrorist incidents. These provisions allow authorities to limit assemblies for up to 90 days after a declared attack. However, this aspect of the legislation has faced criticism and is expected to be challenged in court by groups such as the Palestine Action Group and Jews Against the Occupation. Critics label these changes as draconian and an overreach of police powers.

Some members of the Labor backbench, including Anthony D’Adam and Stephen Lawrence, voiced concerns about the proportionality of the measures. They argue that the restrictions disproportionately infringe on rights and freedoms.

As the reforms move toward final approval, the balance between public safety and civil liberties continues to be a contentious issue in NSW, reflecting broader societal debates on the role of government in regulating personal freedoms in the face of security threats.